KNYSNA NEWS - Students from dance schools in Knysna, including the Sidwell Roman School of Ballet, MACX Academy, Une's Dance Studio and Carmen's School of Dance, are stretching their dance legs for the 45th Nelson Mandela Bay Dance Festival (NMBDF) in Gqeberha from 24 to 29 August.
They will be joined by the seniors of Abbi Geldenhuys Academy of Ballet in George.
Festival organiser Tanya van den Bergh said the strong Garden Route presence has become an important part of the annual event. "We appreciate the audiences from Plettenberg Bay, Knysna and George and surrounds who come and support these dancers," she said.
Held at the Savoy Theatre, the festival is one of South Africa's longest-running dance events. Founded 45 years ago by Jennifer Abraham and Hermione Ballinger, the festival has grown significantly over the years, attracting dancers from across the country.
This year's festival will feature 29 studios and 807 registered dancers, who will present a record-breaking 1 692 performances across a variety of dance genres and age categories.
In addition to six days of competition, the participating dancers will have the opportunity to attend a masterclass before the event concludes with a gala evening and awards presentation on Saturday 29 August.
This year, the love of dance will be matched by a love of animals as adjudicator and animal welfare advocate Brigitte Reeve-Taylor brings the spirit of the non-profit organisation Dancers Love Dogs, of which she is the founder, to the festival.
"The festival has always been about more than trophies. It's about community, compassion and creating opportunities," said Van den Bergh.
"We are collaborating with Reeve-Taylor and ask that, as a dance community, you join us in our intention to support the Animal Anti-Cruelty League in memory of Linda-Louise Swain, which brings all of those values to life on and off the stage."
In tribute to the late Swain, a well-known Nelson Mandela Bay theatre personality and dedicated animal welfare volunteer, an Animal Anti-Cruelty League donation station will be open throughout the festival.
Audience members and participants are encouraged to donate pet food, blankets, toys, cleaning supplies or financial contributions to support animals in need.
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